Lorraine Williamson
Andalucia is bracing for the full impact of Storm Herminia on Monday, with strong winds, heavy coastal conditions, and widespread weather alerts.
The storm brings an orange warning for Almería and yellow warnings for Córdoba, Seville, Jaén, Málaga, and Granada.
Severe weather warnings
The Andalucian 112 emergency service has urged residents to exercise caution, particularly in the eastern provinces. An orange warning, indicating significant risk, has been issued for Almería, while yellow warnings cover several other provinces in the region.
Orange warning in Almería
The regions of Poniente, Almería capital, Valle del Almanzora, and Los Vélez in Almería will be under an orange alert from 9.00 am onwards. Gusts of wind are expected to reach up to 90 km/h in the interior. In comparison, coastal areas face gusts between 60 and 75 km/h, with waves reaching 3 to 4 metres, according to Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET.
Yellow warnings across Andalucia
Other affected regions include:
- Subbética (Córdoba)
- Sierra Sur (Seville)
- Capital and Montes, Cazorla, and Segura (Jaén)
- Granada’s coastal areas, Sierra Nevada, Alpujarra, Guadix, and Baza
- The coast of Málaga
While the yellow warning indicates a lower level of risk, residents in these areas are advised to stay alert.
Polar air mass to lower snow levels
In addition to strong winds and coastal swells, AEMET advises a polar maritime air mass is expected to move into Andalucia by Monday afternoon. This will bring colder temperatures, reducing the snow level to 800–1,000 metres. The effects of Storm Herminia are forecast to persist until Wednesday, though a new Atlantic front could follow later in the week.
Safety recommendations from 112
To ensure public safety, 112 Andalucía has provided guidelines for residents:
- Secure property: Close doors and windows, and remove or secure outdoor furniture and objects that could become dangerous.
- Avoid risky areas: Stay away from walls, fences, trees, and construction sites.
- Stay off scaffolding: Avoid climbing movable scaffolding or platforms during strong winds.
- Steer clear of coastal areas: Refrain from visiting beaches or low-lying coastal zones.
- Limit travel: Avoid unnecessary trips. If driving is essential, follow traffic rules and stay informed.
- In emergencies: Call 112 Andalucía, available 24/7 for assistance.
How to stay informed
Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor updates from official sources and avoid misinformation. Reliable updates can be found on social media channels and through local media outlets.
Preparedness is key
As Storm Herminia continues to affect Andalucia, taking precautions and staying informed will be essential. Authorities are working to minimise risks and ensure the safety of residents and visitors across the region.